24-hour broadcast held in aid of homeless

DCU Media Production Society hosted its annual 24 Hour Broadcast which saw hundreds of students producing live television from DCUtv.com in aid of charity, last Friday, December 2. 

Every year DCU MPS broadcasts self-made shows, advertisements and competitions for 24 hours in aid of their chosen charity. This year, all the funds raised went to homeless charity, the Peter McVerry Trust. 

The broadcast went live from 9pm last Friday to 9pm Saturday, on DCUtv.com. A link to donate to the the Trust was live on their website throughout the broadcast. However, DCU MPS is  encouraging people to continue to donate to the charity in the lead up to Christmas. The event raised thousands for the Trust and the figure is set to rise in the run up to Christmas. 

Shows broadcast throughout the 24 hours included remakes such as ‘An Idiot Abroad’, ‘Come Dine With Me’, ‘First Dates’ and the broadcast’s flagship show ‘Impractical Jokers’. DCU students Enda Molloy and Hannah Gallagher presented in the TV studio, with James Mitchell and Caoimhe McGowan behind-the-scenes.

“I can’t emphasise enough that people should give back however they can, even if it’s a simple hello to someone that’s homeless, because conversation is key to a mental state, treat them like the human beings they are with dignity and respect,” presenter Hannah Gallagher said. “So please continue to contribute and donate as much as possible.” 

All eyes were on DCU MPS for weeks before the event, following their promotional video which featured committee member, Laura Horan, who bravely shared her experience of homelessness during her childhood, went viral.  

“We chose the Peter McVerry Trust because we wanted a charity that does a lot of work with young people. Last year we raised money for jigsaw which works with young adults on mental health. I’m so happy with how the broadcast went, everyone worked so hard on their shows and it ran so well. It was unbelievably tiring and I struggled to stay awake for the 24 hours but it was for such a good cause and I’m so grateful for all the people that donated,” said Laura. 

This year’s broadcast turned out to be the biggest to date with dozens of prizes won and mini spontaneous money raising events that took place throughout the 24 hours. Bank of Ireland, Nandos Omni and Camile Thai sponsored the event, providing funds, food and drink throughout. 

REPORT: Hayley Halpin